Watch List: LB Jaleen Fitzpatrick
Carol Stream (IL) Glenbard North junior inside linebacker prospect Jaleen Fitzpatrick (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) missed his entire 2016 season with an injury, yet do not sleep on Fitzpatrick for the 2017 season. Get to know Jaleen Fitzpatrick here.
"My rehab has been going well," Fitzpatrick said. "I'm starting to speed train and I'll be ready to go for the season."
Fitzpatrick, who had an impressive 2015 sophomore season starting for the Panthers and head coach Ryan Wilkens has drawn recruiting interest this spring.
"I've been in touch with the coaches from Iowa, North Dakota State, Cincinnati, Central Michigan and Boston College. I've also been able to visit Iowa, Cincinnati and Central Michigan so far. All of those coaches know my situation and they all tell me that they are interested and that they will all want to see my early senior season tape."
Fitzpatrick, who is also a strong student in the classroom discussed his strengths on the field and more.
"I feel I have pretty good speed and I can turn and flip my hips when I drop into coverage. I also have good overall explosion. As far as improvements my goal is to just get in the best shape possible. My goal has been to always come back even better than before the injury."
Fitzpatrick admits that he's had some real ups and downs over the past several months yet remains more determined than ever to return and make noise in 2017.
"I was at the bottom around five months or so ago. I was in a brace and I had to do everything in that brace. Yet I never was totally down and not coming back and not playing football never crossed my mind. I can't wait to get back on the field and I'll be pretty happy just being back with my team out there."
The 2017 season is also shaping up to be another strong year for the Panthers according to Fitzpatrick.
"It should be a great year for us. We will have a great defense and I just think overall we will be a better team and one of the top teams in the DuPage Valley."